Cordage: Natural and Unnatural! with Austin HollisGain the valuable skill of creating cordage (thread, string, rope, etc) from common materials using the 2-ply reverse-twist method. After learning the basic technique using raffia palm fibers, get hands-on experience exploring a variety of plant, animal, and man-made materials.​* Material Fee $2

Cyanotype and Lumen Prints: make photographic images with the power of the sun with John AllenThis workshop will focus on two alternative photographic processes, lumen prints and cyanotype photography. Students will create botanical contact prints with available specimens and leave with small paper art prints to take home. * Material Fee $5

Eco Printing with Colleen CaseyEco-printing is a technique where plants, leaves, and flowers leave their shapes, color, and marks on fabric through the application of pressure and heat. We will harvest plant material locally to create our bundles. This class will start in the morning with a short walk to harvest plant material, then participants will create a plant and fabric bundle, wrapped tightly in a string. The big reveal happens after 6 hours or more of boiling to extract the color, shape, and texture of the plant material used in each bundle. Projects will be available to pick up at the following morning circle. Silk and wool squares will be available to use by participants, fees are based on the item participants use.* Material Fee $5

Indigo Vat with Colleen CaseyWe will create a chemical Indigo Vat, which will permanently dye protein or cellulose fiber blue. We will go over simple shibori style techniques of folding, pinching or sewing. Participants will be able to dip their project into the vat and watch the magical transformation that happens when the Indigo is exposed to oxygen. Indigo vats are sensitive to ambient temperature. Class Fee is dependent on what item(s) are selected for the Indigo vat: I will bring linen scarves, bamboo socks, cotton tee shirts, wool and silk squares and yarn.* Material Fee varies depending on chosen items to dye**Participants may want to bring: Chemical Gloves (latex or Rubber) the indigo will stain your hands blue and Small Plastic Bags or a bucket (for moving wet fibers)

Introduction to Hand Spinning with Roberta BurnesLearn how to spin your own yarn from wool! You’ll make your own spinning crank, which you will use with a partner to master the technique of drafting and spinning. We’ll also introduce basic cordage-making from plant fibers. Children age 7 and up are welcome, but they will need adult assistance in assembling the hand cranks.

Knot, A Classwith Eric BlevinsCome learn a variety of knots and hitches that are useful for many applications from tarps to vehicle tie-downs to climbing.

Making Poplar Bark Berry Baskets with Jeffery GottliebLearn to peel fresh tulip poplar bark, design and construct a useful and beautiful basket in just a few hours.​Limit 12 people. Age limit 12 and up.​* Material Fee $5

Pine Needle Basket Making with Roman StinespringExplore the Indigenous art of making baskets from pine needles. We will be learning the basic concepts of pine needle basket making.

Recycling Yarn Into Something Greatwith Agnes A. GazderBuy sweaters etc. at thrift stores/garage sales recycle your old sweaters take them apart, make a design, and redo into your own personal design, be original!

Gardening and Permaculture

Burns Style Beekeeping with Aaron and Kellie BurnsLearn about natural beekeeping by The Burns and The Bees. This workshop is offered to all levels. Whether you are just interested in learning more or if you've already caught the honey bee buzz, this discussion led class will cover many aspects of husbandry and care.

Ginseng and Other Non-Timber Forest Productswith Terry BlackA walk in the woods to find ginseng and other native medicinal forest plants. Learn about native woodland medicinal plants, including growing and propagation. We will be planting ginseng seed in the patch of ginseng that is existing on the property.

Thermophilic Composting a.k.a. You can compost EVERYTHING!with Christian TorpWaste not, want not. Our ecosystem is a marvel of efficiency and nothing is wasted, shouldn't your homestead operate in the same way? Peels, food refuse, spoiled food- even digested food (humanure) and animal butchering remains and offal can be safely recycled into the soil from which they came, thereby improving your land over the course of time through the process of controlled thermophilic composting.

Homesteading and Survivalism / Ancestral Skills - Fire, Metal & Stone

Blacksmithing Basicswith Tod KershawThis class is for people who want to get started blacksmithing! This information-rich class will cover topics such as choosing charcoal vs. coal, building your forge, choosing your material (raw steel vs. re-using/recycling old metal), and repairing broken metal tools. Those who signup will get at least 5-10 minutes of hammer-time. Whoever wants to come can come and watch but only the 12 who sign up are guaranteed time with a hammer. This class is listed each day on the schedule – it is the same class each time, with a longer version on Friday and shortened versions on Saturday and Sunday. *Material Fee: $2-$5

Braintanning & Buckskin (preferably cotaught)with Austin Hollis ​and Micah WilesThis class will delve into the wetscrape method of braintanning deer hides. We will go over the entire process to get a hide from from 'green' to soft, smooth, and smokey buckskin. Each step in the process will have opportunities for hands-on instruction.

Dehydrating Foods for Home, Camping, and Survivalwith Bill GordonHigh Adventure Wilderness School has been dehydrating foods for wilderness trips for 25 years, and at Highlands Farm we also process a lot of our own food for home use. Learn the basics of safely drying all types of foods, and how to package, organize, and store your products. I'll show you why our spaghetti sauce is the best in the world, and why dried apple pie is one of my most favorite desserts. We will show you how to plan family or group meals and menu options, packaging, and trip packing as well. There will be lots of demonstrations... and some samples too. This will be an essential skills workshop for anyone wanting to get back to the land, preppers, and outdoorsy folks as well.

Flintknapping- Stone Tool Production with Roman StinespringExplore the ancient art of making tools from stone. We will be working hands on with flint and learning the basic concepts used in stone tool production.

Historic Masonry Made Simplewith Joseph ButterbaughLearn the Basics of Historic Masonry building and repairs done the old way and get hands on experience! We will mix mortar and repoint some brick work, talk about the important things to know in regards to how and why. Joseph is also happy to answer any questions regarding masonry installations or projects/trouble shooting.

Homesteading 201 with ZimboIs homesteading right for you? What does it take to homestead? Choosing land, fitting uses to the land and where to put infrastructure on the land, a few ideas that work in Appalachia. There is an optional in-class assignment.

Homesteading 301 with ZimboHomesteading 301. 201 not required but useful. Making/saving money from a homestead. Some ideas that work in Appalachia.

Natural Alchemy: Microbe Cultures, Biochar, Earthworms & Terra Pretawith Lee GolosA far-ranging journey through the rapid transformation of "wastes" into ultra-fertile soil and food. We will cover DIY endophytic microbe cultures, fermentation of food waste and humanure into biofertilizer, the production and use of biochar, farming and making use of compost earthworms, and finally the combination of these techniques to produce black earth or Terra Preta, the most fertile of all soils. We might also touch on mushroom and tempeh cultivation.

Sharpening for the Homestead with Cynthia MainIt is everything but knives in this practical hands-on overview of tool sharpening: axes, shovels, freehand chisel sharpening, types of stones and their maintenance will also be covered. Bring your own stones, or try out diamond stones, synthetic water stones, sandpaper, and files and find a DIY system that works for you!

Solar 101 with Matt EllisonWe will cover the basics of using solar panels to create electricity off the grid. Learn the names of the components, what those things do, and see a functioning system in person. Learn how much energy your stuff uses as well as how big of a system you need to power your electrical needs with the sun.

Survival Firemaking Skills for Todaywith Bill GordonFiremaking skills are important for everyone's self-reliance and safety. There are lots of ways to start fire with non-traditional methods readily available no matter where you find yourself in time of need or crisis. This workshop will surprise you with ways to adapt and be confident in your safety and survival. There will be lots of demonstrations and chances to participate, so don't miss this workshop!

Natural Medicine and Food

Edible Wild Mushrooms with Tim HensleyWe'll discuss various edible wild fungi that grow around here, how to ID them, how to prepare them, how to find them. . .and spend a few hours foraging for them!

Forest Mushrooms- IDs & Uses with Emily HemeyerCome by the Wild Seed Field Museum and learn key identifying characteristics. Seasonal growth patterns- what to look for, when and where. Non-edible lookalikes and poisonous mushrooms to avoid. Ethical harvesting and how to steward areas. Resources and books. We'll be covering Morels, Chanterells, Lion's Mane, Giant Puffballs, Puffballs, Hen of the Woods (Maitake), Chicken of the Woods, Dryad's Saddle, Turkey Tail, Chaga, Ganoderma (Reishi) & Woodear. AND discuss all the incredible things one can do with mushrooms!!! We'll try taste test tinctures, sip mushroom tea, do a spore prints, discuss mushroom spawn. If the weather cooperates we'll cook up a few to try. Zines provided for all participants.

Herb Walk for 1st Aidwith Andrew OzinskasWe will explore the identification & usage of many herbs that come to our rescue in times of need. Whether from injury, bites, stings, aches, overheating & even psychological troubles, you will discover both traditional & new remedies & learn why they work.

Herbal Energetics with Lauren Kallmeyer"Energetics" is a foundational concept of herbalism that helps to match an herb to a person, rather than to a disease. Understanding this concept can help make your herbal remedies more specific and therefore more effective. This class is geared toward beginner herbalists who are interested in learning how to customize herbal remedies for improvement of their health. This class is designed to be interactive, discussion-oriented, and hands-on, and will include samples of herbs.

Kombucha 101 with Amanda NeufeldDiscover how easy and fun it is to brew your own kombucha! This popular fermented beverage is said to have many health benefits, and tastes great. But what is that strange SCOBY floating in there? Come find out and learn the basics of a first ferment. A simple flavoring techinique with a second ferment will also be demonstrated *Will have some homebrewed kombucha to taste. ​

Making Elderberry Syrup with Tatum GreenLearn to protect yourself and your family from cold, flues, and viruses with this simple berry. We will make syrup from start to finish, discuss elderberries and studies that show them as a powerful anti-viral, as well as discuss other ingredients in the syrup and their health benefits.

Making Hot Sauce with Tim GreenHot sauce making from seed to sauce. We will discuss growing pepper, the fermentation process, and how to combine different flavor/ heat components. Lots of samples to taste!

Medicinal plants and herbal healing traditions of Eastern Kentucky with Andrew Bentley​For as long as people have lived in these hills, herbal medicine has been an important part of how they cared for themselves. In this workshop, we’ll walk in the woods and fields and encounter some of the plants that grow here, and hear about their medicinal powers.

Preserving the Harvest: How to make powerful medicine and fermented food with the wild plants around us with Zack KounsIn this class you'll learn how to use your plant identification skills to preserve the vital essences of the abundant wild plants that surround us. Class will consist of a brief hike to ID some plant allies and will reconvene to teach some hands on wild fermentation and medicinal plant preservation techniques. ​

The Eight Principles of Chinese Medicinewith Gregory KingIn this workshop we will explore the eight principles of Chinese Medicine emphasizing Yin and Yang as it is manifested through hot and cold, excess and deficient, and full and empty.*There may be medicine bundles optional for participants at a fee

The Eight Extraordinary Vessels in Chinese Medicinewith Gregory KingIn this workshop we will explore the Eight Extraordinary Vessels in Chinese Medical Physiology. We will examine the pulse representing each vessel as well as basic treatment principles.

Uses of Plant-Derived Smokewith Chad AnandaExplore the evolution of ethnobotanical uses of burnt plant material through the ages. Uses including medicine, insect repellent, food preservation, perfumes, incense and more... There will be a hands on portion of the class where we make an insect repelling incense or smudge. ​

Wild food in Bear Track, Kentuckywith Andrew BentleyBefore the advent of agriculture, people supported themselves as hunter-gatherers. In Bear Track, Kentucky, hunting and gathering is still very much a part of food security. This workshop will introduce students not only to edible plants, but also to concepts and strategies for achieving food security outside an agricultural or economic context.

Self-Care

Cuddle Party and Consent Workshopwith Cecilia LiCuddle party is a social workshop for creating a safe space for non-sexual touch and building better boundary and communication skills. Practice saying 'yes' and 'no' with clarity and kindness as we learn and play in an atmosphere of respect.

Mindfulness: Finding Peace in the Present Momentwith Brittany TackettMindfulness is a practice of purposely paying attention to the present moment without judgement. Research has shown that mindfulness practice helps relieve stress and anxiety, reduces emotional reactivity, sharpens focus and attention, improves relationships, and enhances overall well-being and happiness. In this class, we'll learn mindfulness practices, share personal experiences with mindful living, and take a mindful walk in nature.

Movement Ecology with Katie GardnerWhat is the difference between movement and exercise? What are the benefits of non-exercise movement? In this class, we will explore some of the ancestral movements necessary for healthy, whole living, as well as the ways that moving our bodies can benefit not only ourselves, but also our communities and planet.

Sound Healing with Olivia ImmittEverything is influenced by sound. This is because matter is held together by vibration, which is the building block of sound. You don't have to have ears to utilize the power of sound. Plant growth and communication are affected by sound, the deaf can "hear" through bone conduction, and brain wave states can be changed by simple tapping. By understanding the science behind sound we can become aware of connections that surround us and are within us. In this workshop you will learn methods to use sound as a tool in various ways.

Tai Chiwith Paul CoffeyTai Chi is the foundation of all martial art. Said to be the “yoga of the orient”, tai chi offers movement to those that can barely move. Tai Chi has been prescribed as part of medical treatment in China from the beginning of its documented time.We will learn simple movements designed to relax muscles, correct structural weaknesses and improve blood and oxygen circulation. These movements can be taken with you wherever you go to help improve your internal energy health.

Thai Massagewith Eric BlevinsCome learn this ancient healing art that is beneficial to both the giver and receiver. We will work on the feet, legs, shoulders, back and head. Please bring a yoga mat or blanket and wear loose-fitting clothing.

Working out the Kinks: Neck & Shoulders with Bill ParravanoTeach your body to recover faster after primitive & homesteading skills. Got a sore, stiff, tight, achy, or painful neck and shoulders? Then this class is for you! Learn the secrets of your body's nervous system. You will walk away from this class with a working knowledge of how to eliminate tension in these areas of your body no matter what your age. Bring your own pillows, blankets and yoga mats to get the most benefit out of this class.

Working out the Kinks: Hips & Lower Back with Bill ParravanoTeach your body to recover faster after primitive & homesteading skills. Got a sore, stiff, tight, achy, or painful hips and lower back? Then this class is for you! Learn the secrets of your body's nervous system. You will walk away from this class with a working knowledge of how to eliminate tension in these areas of your body no matter what your age. Bring your own pillows, blankets and yoga mats to get the most benefit out of this class.

Outdoor Activities / Nature Walks

Basic Canoeingwith Bill GordonLearn the basics of canoe-handling and paddle strokes. We will cover how to launch, paddle, and handle a canoe safely. On land and in-water practice. Enjoy a leisurely paddle around the lake exploring the water habitat. Two people per canoe. Children 10+ allowed with parent partner. Personal Flotation Device (PFD)'s and paddles provided. Ability to swim mandatory.​* Material Fee $5 per person

Guided journey into the realm of plant energy and communicationswith Michelle BlairCome an sit a spell an learn to calm your mind an open both your mind an heart to nature. Here, you will be guided on spiritual journey with her an all she has ta offer. Learn to listen an feel the vibrations of plants so you can learn from them. They have a vast knowledge, they love to share with us. This how a vast of my family's knowledge of plants and their uses, edible or not was taught to them an later passed down along with guidance of listening an communicating with nature. Note: you must be open minded, you musten rush things, an remember in the end it is up to the plant to open up to you to. This can take time.

Hummingbirds: Your Nature Connection with Bill GordonUrban homesteader, rural back-to-the-lander, farmer, or stuck in the suburbs... everyone needs a direct connection to nature. Hummingbirds offer us one of the best ways to make this connection. These incredible birds are fascinating, intelligent, and beautiful. Let's explore their habits, habitat, and quirky characteristics and look at some of the new hummingbird research being done. We'll discuss ways to attract these super fliers to your yard for close observation and enjoyment. ​

Night Sky Tour with Dan PriceView planets, nebulae and galaxies through large telescopes under a dark sky! NASA Solar System Ambassador Dan Price will teach you about all of the objects you observe and answer any questions you may have. You'll also discover how astronomy and space exploration is ultimately a journey of self-discovery, and how the stars connect us all. ​

Poetic Animism: Poetry as a Practice of Place, Voice, & Relationshipwith Dustin PickettIf we look at the roots of poetic traditions from around the world, we find ancient technologies of dreaming, relating & communicating with the more-than-human world. In this workshop, we will use a variety of experiential group & solo wandering practices to tap our innate human powers of imagination, empathy, and intersubjectivity to give voice to oral/aural (and written!) poetries. We’ll focus on craft, process, and practice rather than finished product!

Traditional Western Journeywork & the Alchemical Worldview with Andrew OzinskasIn this workshop, we will participate in a series of guided shamanic journeys that originate from the Western Mystery Schools. These meditations are powerful tools for spiritual growth & the quest for mastery of self. We will also discuss an introduction to Alchemical philosophy in order to build an elemental foundation for the journeywork.

Wild Plants Walk - Trees, Herbs, and Ecology of the Appalachian Foothillswith Xyara AsplenMeet your plant neighbors and hear their stories on this walk for adults and accompanied kids. The Cumberland Plateau where Whippoorwill is held is spectacularly biodiverse, and this walk will be an opportunity to connect with our place in this ecosystem, learn about individual plants as well as the strands that weave it all together, and explore how our species can interact with plants as food, medicine, fiber, etc in respectful ways.

Storytelling and Community

Activism Burnout Recovery with Aaron PollittCaring about things that are being destroyed is painful, trying to resist the momentous destructive forces of our world can be disappointing and even dangerous. ​Being involved in protests or activist organizations, Living in intentional community, Starting a sustainable business, whatever it is that you do to make positive change in the world, if you feel burnout because of it, this workshop might help you.

Anarchy: What does it mean to you? with Princess ZakDiscussion: Anarchist... Socialist... Communist..... Sound like curse words to American ears. Wanting to make the world a better place is what brings us all together to gatherings such as this, but Princess Zak has noticed a lack of discussion on self regulated autonomy, and conversations leaning more toward who to vote for to make free range cell phone chargers and which soft soled shoes will stop climate change. Unfortunately, we all can get misguided under the illusion of choice that capitalism provides us... let's get together and talk about what a community based autonomous intentional living space means to all of us... and how to make it a reality...

Appalachian Paranormal Discussion with Diane SatterfieldThis workshop is all about sharing a lifetime of personal experiences concerning the many aspects of the paranormal, and also welcoming everyone to share and discuss their own personal stories and accounts that have also touched their lives, or someone that they know.

Communication Tools for Living in Community with Cynthia MainSelf-sufficiency is one thing, but what are some of the tools we use for fostering community solidarity and communication? In this open round table, wants and needs will be shared in hopes of exchanging practical self awareness and communication tools for stronger communities.

Community Organizing and Grassroots Strategy 101 with Willie DodsonWe will discuss community organizing and developing a grassroots strategy for a social justice cause, including considerations such as: goal setting, tactics, targets, and building your base of power.

Group Facilitation and Decision Making with Aaron PollittThe way we organize our selves into small decision making groups is the foundation of what we create together, be it an Earthskills Gathering, an intentional community, a none profit organization, or even a government.In this workshop we will explore and experience the different styles of group facilitation by both talking about them, and using them to facilitate our discussion. We will cover the tools and styles of, Popcorn, In Order, Taking Stack, Time Keeping, Voting, Consensus, and many other things to think about while facilitating a group discussion.

Know Your Rights - Activists/Protestswith Sarah FightmasterAn adult version of the Youth-Police Interaction:Know Your Rights geared towards interactions with the police during peaceful demonstrations and protests. Sarah will provide real life scenarios to teach how to best prepare yourself for a police interaction and respectfully assert your rights in a manner to de-escalate the encounter.

Starting A Community Land Trust​ with Melody HunsingerReasons to start a community land trust. Best practices for beginning activities with a land trust.

Water Monitoring and Grassroots Strip Mine Enforcement with Willie DodsonWe will cover methods for monitoring physical and chemical parameters of water quality, and pertinent regulations relating to surface mining in Appalachia. We'll then look at how we can use water quality data to limit the impacts of mountaintop removal and challenge the issuance of mountaintop removal permits.​

Youth-Police Interaction:Know Your Rightswith Sarah FightmasterSarah runs the public defender's office in Georgetown, KY. She was trained by the Children's Law Center through a grant with Strategies for Youth about police/youth interactions. While respecting the role of law-abiding peace officers, Sarah can provide children with some real life scenarios to teach them how to best prepare themselves for a police interaction and respectfully assert their rights in a manner to de-escalate the encounter.

Workshops for Kids

Clothespin Doll Making with Willow PetersThis is a kid friendly workshop where we will be making dolls out of clothespins and embroidery floss. Each kid will get to make their own unique doll. Kids under 6 years old will need an adult's accompaniment.

Introduction to Hand Spinning with Roberta BurnesLearn how to spin your own yarn from wool! You’ll make your own spinning crank, which you will use with a partner to master the technique of drafting and spinning. We’ll also introduce basic cordage-making from plant fibers. Children age 7 and up are welcome, but they will need adult assistance in assembling the hand cranks.

Nature Photography Scavenger Hunt for Familieswith Karen LanierHave fun with the whole family as you learn basic camera functions and test them out with a multi-level scavenger hunt. This workshop will help you slow down and pay attention to the natural world while you work together as a team to capture memories and create art. Use your own device or borrow a point-and-shoot digital camera (available on a first-come, first-serve basis).

Weaving with Upcycled Fibers for Kidswith Christina CollinsBring an old t-shirt and turn it into somthing new!!

Wild Plants Walk - Trees, Herbs, and Ecology of the Appalachian Foothillswith Xyara AsplenMeet your plant neighbors and hear their stories on this walk for adults and accompanied kids. The Cumberland Plateau where Whippoorwill is held is spectacularly biodiverse, and this walk will be an opportunity to connect with our place in this ecosystem, learn about individual plants as well as the strands that weave it all together, and explore how our species can interact with plants as food, medicine, fiber, etc in respectful ways.

Youth-Police Interaction: Know Your Rightswith Sarah FightmasterSarah runs the public defender's office in Georgetown, KY. She was trained by the Children's Law Center through a grant with Strategies for Youth about police/youth interactions. While respecting the role of law-abiding peace officers, Sarah can provide children with some real life scenarios to teach them how to best prepare themselves for a police interaction and respectfully assert their rights in a manner to de-escalate the encounter.